Panel: No same-sex weddings allowed at Ohio Statehouse

Associated Press Published: July 19, 2014 4:00 AM

COLUMBUS -- A board has maintained a policy preventing same-sex couples and others without valid Ohio wedding licenses from renting the Ohio Statehouse and its grounds for weddings and receptions.

A spokesman for the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, which oversees the Statehouse building and grounds, says a committee reviewed the policy and recommended no changes, which the full board agreed to Thursday.

FreedomOhio, a group supporting same-sex marriage, has said the policy discriminates against gay couples who are prohibited from getting Ohio marriage licenses.

Democratic Rep. Michael Stinziano of Columbus had wanted the policy reviewed, saying the Statehouse also could benefit financially from changing the policy.

The situation could change if same-sex couples win the right to legally marry in Ohio.